Château d'Aqueria Tavel Rosé 2022 Tavel AOC

Ch.d'Aqueria is the largest estate in Tavel and dates back over 400 years. Its current history dates from 1920 when it was bought by Jean Olivier who reassembled the vineyards surrounding the hilltop Chateau the estate is now owned by his son in law Paul Bez and his sons Vincent, winemaker and Bruno, marketing.

Though there are nine permitted varietals in the Tavel AC, at Ch.d'Aqueria they use seven, 45% Grenache Noir and Blanc, 21% Clairette, 15% Cinsault, 8% Mouvedre, 6% Syrah and 5% Bourboulenc; the high proportion of white grape over 30% gives freshness and balance. The wine sees no oak and is fermented and aged in stainless steel. With a deep ruby colour and a rich nose of red fruits and a generous spicy palate.

Tavel is a small AC in the southern Rhône, situated west of Chateauneuf du Pape and is home to one of the most famous rosés in France being the only AC unique to Rosé and the first appellation created in France in 1936. Its fame sprung from being the favourite tipple of the Sun King, Louis 14th and later amongst others Ernest Hemmingway was an avid fan insisting he couldn’t start a meal beginning with Oysters without a glass of Tavel!

The Appellation stipulates that the wine should have a minimum time of 12 hours and max 24 hours on the skins producing a deep salmon colour, fuller flavour and a minimum of 13.5% alcohol, a juxtaposition to its skinny Provencal neighbours, so it is a perfect food friendly wine and even benefits from aging.